Burdett joins Legacy Motor Club as Johnson’s crew chief

Jason Burdett has joined Legacy Motor Club and will serve as Jimmie Johnson’s crew chief in the part-time schedule for the No. 84 Toyota team.

Burdett and Johnson have a previous history of working together while at Hendrick Motorsports. Burdett joined the Hendrick organization in 2001, the same year Johnson began his Cup Series career in the No. 48 car.

For the last nine seasons, Burdett has been a crew chief at JR Motorsports. Burdett won races with Regan Smith and Justin Allgaier and spent last season working with Brandon Jones. On the Cup Series side, Burdett has experience as Dale Jarrett’s crew chief for 14 races during the 2007 season.

“I’m excited to join Legacy Motor Club and reunite with Jimmie,” Burdett said. “I was part of Jimmie’s team when it all began and witnessed his first win in 2002. I am amazed at the legacy Jimmie has created throughout the years, and I am honored to be a part of continuing that with him.

“Partnering with Toyota and their successful history in motorsports is remarkable for our organization. I am dedicated to maximizing our success at the racetrack, to accomplish Cup Series win No. 84 with the No. 84 Toyota Camry XSE and write a new chapter.”

Only three of Johnson’s races have been announced for the 2024 season. Johnson will compete with AdventHealth sponsorship at Texas Motor Speedway, Kansas Speedway, and Charlotte Motor Speedway. The full schedule for Johnson will be announced early next year.

“I have a very long history of working with Jason at Hendrick Motorsports – we spent a lot of time together throughout the years,” Johnson said. “Jason is one of the nicest people I’ve ever met in the sport, he’s solid and he’s created an amazing legacy for himself. I’ve always had a great working relationship with him, and I’m just genuinely excited he has joined the Club.”

Burdett’s career began as a tire specialist at Robert Yates Racing before joining Hendrick Motorsports. He spent one year with Michael Waltrip Racing (2007) before rejoining Hendrick Motorsports in 2011. Burdett’s tenure with JR Motorsports began in 2015.

In addition to Burdett’s signing, Legacy Motor Club has moved Evan Bensch from the No. 43 team to the No. 84 team to serve as lead engineer. Robbie Fairweather will continue as the team’s car chief.

“Jason comes to Legacy M.C. at a great time,” said Joey Cohen, vice president, race operations. “Not only is he a perfect fit to lead our 84 team with JJ and their past experiences, but he also will help tremendously in the operational transition to Toyota and greatly assist the crew chiefs on the Nos. 42 and 43 teams.”